By Daniel L. Bamberg
Daniel@Centrevillepress.com
According to records, the bridge, which stands over the Norfolk Southern Railroad in Woodstock, on Coldwater Road, is the oldest traffic bridge in Alabama. Thanks to Bibb County Commissioners and the love of history from Bibb County Engineer, Steve Avery, Coldwater Bridge is getting a makeover.
“When the State of Alabama began numbering the bridges, Coldwater Bridge was number 8. Numbers 1 through 7 are now gone,” said Avery.
The bridge was constructed in 1898. The concrete approach spans were constructed in 1927.
The project to restore the bridge is part of the GARVEEE program. The goal of the program was to repair any bridges, which were not strong enough to carry a loaded school bus. Through this each country was allocated funds based on the population.
Bibb County provided the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) with a list of bridges, which would qualify for these funds. Bibb was one of only 3 counties statewide that was able to replace or restore every bridge on their list. Another benefit of these projects is 100% funding. They cost the county nothing.
Coldwater Bridge was not on the original list, however. After a resurfacing project for Truman Aldrich Parkway resulted in left over funds, the county decided to apply for funds in addition to the leftover monies in order to rehabilitate the historic bridge.
Right now the county is replacing some deteriorated sections. They will also clean and recoat the entire structure, according to Avery. Currently the restoration is about 60% complete and there are hopes the bridge will reopen to traffic by the end of June.
“Yes, it’s just an old bridge, and not very pretty as far as bridges go, but we should be proud of the fact that we have one of the oldest around. This is a bridge of historical significance, and one which with this re=fitting should serve us for many more years,” expressed Avery.
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